You Don’t Need Drugs to Dance

Really, you don’t need drugs to dance. So next time you go to a rave party, hold off on those pills and stay sober.

For one, you don’t know what you might be popping into your system (and your brain), and mixed with alcohol and heat, you may end up with your fun cut abruptly short due to health problems. Besides, it’s still best to experience life with your eyes wide open and your mind clear.

Raving and electronic dance music (EDM) may as well be synonymous with drug-taking, as these festivals and rave parties are notorious for being a venue where people drop pills to get “in the mood” and get their groove on. In many parts of the world, and even here in the Philippines, it’s not uncommon for a raver or two to end up in the emergency room due to drug overdose.

Here in the country, particular light has been shed on the rave party scene when five individuals dropped to the ground and eventually died due to alleged drug overdose while in a popular rave.

This really begs the question: Do we really need drugs to dance?

Whether they have been doing drugs or are first timers in EDM and rave parties, there may be that silent rule–and an apparent pressure– to use drugs in order to “have fun” or make the most of the experience. However, there’s really no need to take drugs just to have some fun in raves, and even in any situation.

Here’s some tips that really show you don’t need drugs to dance.

You don’t need drugs to dance

1. Practice your moves. Ever notice someone who dances like an earthworm or like they’re being electrocuted? Or perhaps you don’t notice them because you’re busy doing your own moves? When you’re screwed up with drugs, looking good while dancing (and even safely doing it) becomes an afterthought. It’s dance music, so go out there and groove–but not before practicing your moves.

2. Surround yourself with fun, beautiful people. Festivals are full of beautiful people who just want to have fun. Surround yourself with them, make friends, hit on some, and just have a good time.

3. Trade kandi and trinkets. These events are not just about music and dancing, it’s also about interacting and connecting with people. So don’t be afraid to make friends with strangers. Trade kandi bracelets and beaded trinkets and you may just get to know your new best friend.

4. Make most of people-watching. People watching is so much more fun sober. If you’re on Molly, you’ll see people as just one big, mushy blob. Go look at all the interesting, and interestingly dressed, people.

5. Go ahead, do some trainspotting. This doesn’t mean you use heroin. This is actually a term borrowed from those who stand idle and just watch a DJ’s records to take note of what they’re playing. This is great if you’re sober, because you are actually aware of the music and beats, compared to when you’re drugged and all you’ll remember are just random bass and melodies.

6. Beer is good. You don’t have to take rave drugs and be all bug-eyed and sweaty to have a good time. There’s beer at the bar and you can have fun while the beat drops. At least you have yourself together.

7. Eat. There’s good food when you know where to find them. If rave and festivals are about new experiences, this is the moment. But you don’t have to be stoned and all doped up to do this.

8. Explore. Festivals will have everything from food stalls to art installations and many other “gimmicks” so why not explore? You could learn so much more about the people throwing and attending the party and so many more.

As with life, you don’t really need to have something to alter your perception. Life is best experienced with your full attention and your perception intact, so keep away from drugs and live it to the fullest.